As much as many of us would love to, the truth is that none of us speak dog, and we can’t fully understand what they’re thinking. Because of this, it’s reasonable that there would be at least a little bit of miscommunication between dog owners and their fuzzy buddies. For example, there are a lot of things dogs love that we hate, like rolling around in poop and chewing on shoes. But have you ever wondered whether or not there are things we do that annoy our dogs?
As it turns out, there are a lot of things that pet owners do that our dogs aren’t only irritated by but downright hate, even when we do them with the best possible intentions. Below, our passionate pet experts from All Paws Express will explore the top ten things dogs hate.
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- Disregarding Their Personal Space and Boundaries
No one likes when someone gets in their face or invades their personal space, and dogs are no different. You should always avoid sticking your hands in a dog’s face, standing over them, or reaching for them. If you have to poke and prod them for their own good (like for ear cleanings), be sure to be slow, gentle, and give them plenty of rewards.
- Hugging
This point goes hand in hand with the one above, but we wanted to state it clearly; most dogs don’t like hugs. Putting your arms around their body or neck may be seen as a potential threat, especially from someone they don’t know. It’s generally better to stick to pets on the back and chest and let them cuddle on their own terms.
- Yelling and Harsh Punishments
People don’t like being punished or yelled at, and dogs don’t either. They may not understand the words you’re saying, but they sense the emotions behind them. Generally, yelling is more likely to scare and upset your dog more than anything, not make them behave better.
- Not Being Able to Sniff and Explore on Walks
Dogs primarily rely on scent to explore the world, which is why they’re always sniffing around. Smelling to dogs is like the sense of sight to humans, and imagine how upset you’d be if you were dragged through a new place without getting to look at anything! Always give your dog a chance to stop and smell the roses (or a fire hydrant), so they can feel more comfortable.
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- Being Ignored or Left Alone
Dogs are very social animals and typically hate being left alone or ignored, especially for long periods. In some extreme cases, dogs can even exhibit separation anxiety when left alone, leading to higher stress levels.
Contact our experts at All Paws Express to learn about our pet relocation services.
- Being Forced into Uncomfortable Situations
What classifies as an “uncomfortable situation” often depends on the dog in question but typically includes things like going into the bathtub or car, going to the vet or groomer, or being forced to play or interact with certain people or animals. Basically, whenever your dog puts on the breaks and refuses to go somewhere or do something, it’s usually a good indication that they’re uncomfortable and stressed– two things everybody hates!
- Seeing Their Owner Upset
Dogs have an innate ability to sense people’s emotions, meaning they can tell when you’ve had a bad day or are struggling with symptoms of depression or anxiety. Some dogs will also match your mood, becoming sad themselves, sometimes to the point of being sick, while others might act out because they aren’t getting enough attention or exercise while you’re in your slump.
- A Lack of Rules and Routine
Believe it or not, dogs need rules and routines to make their world more predictable and teach them how to behave like the good boys and girls we all know they can be. Rules and routines are also central elements of practical dog training, which provides the necessary structure in your dog’s life and helps support their internal clock.
- Being Dressed Up
Yes, dressing up your dog makes for some funny moments and cute pictures, but they generally hate it about as much as you did when you were forced to dress up in something as a kid that you didn’t want to. While some dogs are alright with lite clothing items, it’s generally best to stick to only using protection-based clothes, like coats and boots, during winter.
- Strong Smells and Fragrances
Again, dogs experience the world through scent, and because their nose is between 10,000 and 100,000 times stronger than ours, it’s easy for them to get overwhelmed by powerful fragrances. Exposure to intense smells can irritate their nose, so always use things like perfumes, hairspray, cleaning products, and air fresheners away from your dog.
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Final Factors to Keep in Mind
Our dogs depend on us for everything, from food and playtime to belly rubs and much more. It’s our responsibility as loving pet owners to ensure we’re treating them with all the kindness, love, and compassion that we possibly can, and avoiding behaviors that dogs hate or that make them uncomfortable is a big part of that! We know it might be hard to stop avoiding some of these behaviors- especially if you’ve made them a habit- but our team at All Paws Express knows you’ll do your best for your fuzzy friend. Please consider exploring our selection of expertly written resources or contacting us at +1(800)626-5023 to learn about our specialized services! All Paws Express can help you relocate your pet with ease and comfort!